The ISAFF uses “film as a greater vehicle of understanding,” according to Tasveer Executive Director Farah Nousheen. Tasveer, a nonprofit that promotes South Asian cinema, offers events year-round, though producing the ISAAF is at the cornerstone of their mission. Nousheen emphasizes that their organizational goals go beyond just presenting films for entertainment. She says, “We are a community that explores the culture, history, politics and the people of South Asia through independent film.”

The film festival started two years ago when Nousheen and co-founder Rita Meher were flying to San Francisco for a South Asian Film Festival. They realized then that Seattle was ready for a full South Asian film festival of its very own.

The two had planned on partnering with the Northwest Asian American Film Festival but realized they had different needs, especially considering that much of South Asian cinema is made on 35 millimeter film versus digital video, the only format NWAAFF has shown in recent years.

Last year, Tasveer focused the ISAFF primarily on India and Pakistan, with the theme, “One South Asia: Uncensored and Uncut.” Nousheen explained that there were many meanings behind this theme, from the hostility of the “cut” of India and Pakistan, to the censorship issues in the traditional ideals of South Asia.

However, this year they have expanded to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and developed the theme, “Pushing the edges: South Asia in a new frame.” Nousheen explains that this means, “There is more to South Asia than you think.”

Tasveer purposefully produced a film festival that is gender balanced. Nousheen says that there are few female filmmakers in South Asia, so it is a very rare to have a South Asian film festival with 50 percent of the films coming from women. Those films include “Wind Bird,” “White Noise” and “Highway Courtesans,” among others.

To the new ISAFF audience-goer, Nousheen highlights a couple of programs at this year’s ISAFF, though she is quick to note that she has an appreciation for all the films in the schedule line-up:

“Special Program: Experimenta India!” - These short experimental Indian films from 1960s to 2005 were shipped from the archives of the film divisions of India. These short films are nearly impossible to see anywhere else. Thursday, Sept. 15 at 9 p.m.

“Forum: Globalization, Outsourcing, and South Asia, followed by short film “Nalini by Day, Nancy by Night” - As the ISAFF is not limited to film, this forum talks about the life of a call center girl. Following the forum and short film is a documentation of the world social forum of 2004 in Mumbai, called, “Work In Progress, World Social Forum 2004.” Sunday, Sept. 18 at 12 p.m.

For full schedule, see www.tasveer.org.

“The Very Small Home” presents stunning design advances in Japan. Eighteen recent houses, from ultramodern to Japanese rustic, are explored in depth. Particular emphasis is given to what the author calls the Big Idea-the overarching concept that does the most to make the house feel more spacious than it actually is. Among the Big Ideas introduced here are ingenious sources of natural light, well-thought-out atriums, snug but functional kitchens, unobtrusive partitions, and free-flowing circulation paths. -Kodansha International

In the foreword to “The Very Small Home: Japanese Ideas for Living Well in Limited Space” by Azby Brown, architect Kengo Kuma remembers, “An Account of My Hut,” an essay by poet and literary recluse Kamo no Chomei (1153-1216).

As for the bathrooms, I’m all for small homes, and the Big Idea, but please, give me some knee room.

A native of Nanjing, Qi grew up surrounded by physical reminders of the war and the massacre. In addition, Qi had heard about the massacre from relatives who had seen the events of December 1937 first hand. Qi’s grandfather and father, then a boy of seven, had witnessed the futile attempts of POWs to escape the firing squads by jumping into the Yangtze. Fortunately, the family lived outside the city walls and across the river from the city proper and was spared.

Although his background provided him with some knowledge of the events of December 1937, Qi realized he would have to do some research before writing his novel, which is told from multiple perspectives: Chinese, Japanese and Western. By telling the story from a variety of perspectives, Qi’s goal was to “focus on the human story and to enable readers to experience what it was like living through those horrific days by probing into the souls of the victims and perpetrators alike.” Qi’s extensive research took him to such places as the special collections library at the Yale Divinity School, where he was able to read the original diaries of Minnie Vautrin, one of the foreign residents who were in Nanjing at the time. Vautrin, an American missionary and acting dean at Ginling College, saved many lives by opening up the college to refugees and offering them protection from the marauding Imperial Army. Another courageous foreign resident who saved many lives was John Rabe, a German businessman and member of the Nazi party, who used his Nazi flag and armband to impress the Japanese military and keep the Chinese who sheltered with him safe. While most of the characters in “When the Purple Mountain Burns” are fictional, Qi incorporates Vautrin and Rabe into his story, and the sections narrated by them are among the novel’s most compelling.

As Anti-Japanese demonstrations and riots in China this past April underscored, the wounds left by the war and occupation have yet to heal. Shouhua Qi himself feels no bitterness towards the Japanese: “I don’t have any anger against the Japanese themselves or feel that they are more violent than anybody else in the world. Rather, I feel sad for humanity because how can we, under whatever pretense – religious, political, or otherwise, go and wage war against fellow human beings … and commit such atrocities against them?”

Position No 1

John Creighton
The Port is lagging behind in its role as a jobs creation tool for our region and its responsibility to be a socially inclusive institution. The local Asian community is an invaluable resource with which the Port should be working more closely to increase business and jobs for our community.

Wen Wu Lee
If I am elected as Port of Seattle Commissioner, to promote more trade between POS and Asian countries is one of my top agendas. I am familiar with the cultures and speak the languages for both sides of the Pacific Ocean. As an Asian American, I do have the advantage to promote MORE business for POS. This is a buy one get one free deal. When I act as POS promoter/marketer, no translators/or cultural consultant are needed.

Lawrence Molloy
My experience as an international businessman gives me the credentials to increase our Asian market share. As Commission President, I will see that each Commissioner is responsible for one of our critical Asian Trading Partners. We need to elevate the responsibilities of current Asian/Asian American employees.

Position No. 3

Richard Berkowitz
Our relationship with Asia, particularly China, reflects early and consistent efforts to nourish long-term partnerships. This must continue. Additionally, trade flows go to ports with efficient infrastructure and a reliable workforce to transport cargo to its ultimate destination expeditiously. Investments must be maintained to assure we excel as a dependable land-bridge.

Lloyd Hara
As Port Commissioner, I will be a bridge between American and Asian businesses, governments and organizations to guarantee the Port of Seattle is facilitating the movement of goods and people across oceans. Following sound business principles and fostering increased cross-cultural understanding will be key to increased and improved trade relations.

Christopher Cain
I will work to improve relations of all five Port Commissioners and do away with imbalance. Work to find the best traits of each commissioner and use the best and brightest ideas from staff to focus resources to better understand, enhance and create new relations and opportunities with our Asian Partners.

John Kane
The Port can do more to assist existing King County businesses to export their products. This can be accomplished by expanding the current “Seattle First” effort lead by the Manufacturing Industrial Council (MIC), supported by the Port, to include King County businesses. The Port would increase their role as trade liaison, matching King County exporters with foreign markets, and at the same time, also promote continued import trade from our partners in Asia.

Position No. 4

Jack Jolley
The Port of Seattle must dramatically improve the quality of service we provide to our important Asian trading partners. This requires commissioners focused on bringing efficient, reliable service and clear communication. I will work aggressively to solve business problems encountered by implementing state-of-the art technology both here and in Asia.

Robert Walker
I think the best way to improve trade relations with our neighbors in Asia is to improve efficiency and reduce fees. Using the Port of Seattle is simply too expensive! I also believe the Port should look to emerging markets in Asia (such as Vietnam) for mutually beneficial trade opportunities.

Richard Pope
Eliminate the $62.7 million King County property tax levy imposed by the Port of Seattle. Port property taxes have increased 76% since 2001. Stop subsidizing airlines, cruise lines and shipping companies. Trade with Asia (and elsewhere) is mutually beneficial and will prosper on its own without being subsidized by homeowners.

Q. As a Seattle School Board member, what would you do to improve programs that serve ESL students or new immigrants?

District 5

Mary Bass
Assess each ESL/immigrant students’ educational/skill level in their primary/strongest language.

Allow student to stay in the Bilingual program until they have reached a proficient level of English and are familiar with social customs.

Hire teachers from similar cultures/backgrounds and same language(s).

Locate school/program near social services.

Jane Fellner
I support continued development of ESL curriculum, including dual language immersion. Academic results, student satisfaction, and student retention should be evaluated and successful models replicated. ESL students should have access to best practices in every school, as well as English-speaking and native language peers, teachers and advocates.

District 7

Cheryl Chow
* Allocate instructional assistants based on intensity/level of services needed by each language group

* Provide all ESL staff with Guided Language Acquisition Training (GLAD), an effective hands-on, multi-modal teaching approach

* Seek WASL exemption for 5 years: research shows it takes 5-7 years to get on par academically.

Linda Thompson-Black
We must make schools work for all students, particularly families from immigrant communities. I will promote policy that maintains and expands services to ESL families, especially during these times of budget cuts. Seattle has some effective and innovative programs, we can’t lose ground. Working together we can make this happen!

Alan Lloyd
First, for programs that serve ESL/immigrant students, to respect the student and their language abilities, which improves esteem and English performance. Second, to replicate District programs at other schools that are excellent models of serving ESL students. For example, the ESL program and Spanish PTA at Beacon Hill Elementary.

Theresa Cardamone
Immigrant and ESL students will receive more support in the form of teachers and teaching assistants, relevant curricula and alternative assessments that demonstrate what the students know. I favor having a Bilingual Orientation Center for secondary students located in the south end, perhaps on the South Shore site.

Q. What would you do as Sheriff to curb crime in the International District?

King County Sheriff

Jim Fuda
As your Sheriff, I would work closely with the SPD on any issues that help protect all of our residents. In addition, the KCSO always has a presence in the International District due to its responsibility to Metro Transit issues. If the KCSO continues to provide security at the bus tunnels/surface streets, those same Deputies will regularly patrol the district and will intervene if they witness any type of criminal activity.

Greg Schmidt
We need to address the roadblocks that hinder law enforcement from accomplishing our mission of reducing crime and the fear of crime in our International community. Building trust is the foundation for breaking down those roadblocks. Trust is built through our visible presence with a positive and productive community outreaching effort.

Tasveer presents their 2nd Annual Independent South Asian Film Festival entitled “Pushing the Edges: South Asia in a New Frame” set for Sept. 14 – 18 at Broadway Performance Hall. This event showcases over 35 independent films from South Asia. For complete schedule, visit www.tasveer.org. Call (206) 325-6500.

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents “Cathay: Three Tales of China” conceived, written & directed by New York-based Ping Chong. Done in collaboration with the Shaanxi Folk Art Theatre of Xian. “Cathay” is a theatrical triptych that weaves together tales from China’s past & present using puppetry and actors. This is the third collaboration between Chong and Seattle Rep. Sept. 10 – Oct. 9. Opening night is Sept. 14. (206) 443-2222.

Visual Arts
Davidson Galleries has two shows of interest. In their Contemporary Print & Drawing Center [(206) 624-1324], they present a show of prints that deal with the mysterious properties of water entitled “Aqueous” by Akiko Taniguchi. In the Antique Print Department [(206) 624-6700], they present a group show entitled, “The Japanese Landscape” including the work of Kawase Hasui, Hiroshi Yoshida, Tsuchiya Koitsu, Betha Lum and Koichi Okada. Both shows on view through Sept. 24. 313 Occidental Ave. S.

Two interesting but very different Filipino American women artists make their Seattle debut. First up is Washington, D.C.-based artist Isabel Manalo. In a two-person show with Trine Bumiller entitled, “Natural Selection,” Manalo abstracts the landscape from a fresh perspective. Using a mix of fantasy and reality and based on memory, imagination and photos, she creates new places with a multiplicity of perspective. On view through Sept. 16 at Solomon Fine Art. 1215 First Ave. (206) 297-1400. Jumpcut to Stephanie Syjuco’s “Black Market” at James Harris Gallery through Oct. 1. With a mix of media from sculpture to photography and video, Syjuco gives new meaning to the mundane and commonplace by using familiar materials in unusual ways. One installation consists of photography, video and sculpture to explore personal aspects of place from the Philippines. 309A Third Ave. S. (206) 903-6226.

“Mistaken Identities” is a suite of six lithographs by Roger Shimomura loosely inspired by a photography or painting made during the illegal internment of Japanese Americans during World War II from sources famous and unknown. Ends Oct. 1. Greg Kucera Gallery at 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-0770.

On view through Nov. 20 is Annie Han & Daniel Mihalyo’s Lead Pencil Studio installation entitled “Minus Space” in which they attempt to trace the past shapings of Henry Gallery’s space by different architects. Their installation is kind of a map of previous excavations and half-completed plans. A mini-survey of Lead Pencil Studio’s previous projects will also be on view. Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington on 15th Ave. N.E. and N.E. 41st.

Bay Area artist Rene Yung has an installation at Jack Straw Media Gallery entitled “The Four Dignities” with sounds collected by Janice Giteck. On view through Sept. 30. 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E. (206) 634-0919.

Bryan Ohno Gallery presents a summer exhibition of work by Noguchi, Kazutaka Uchida, Kentaro Kojima, Richard Hestekind and Alexandra Morosco at the Marenakos Stonarium Gallery through Sept. 24. Please RSVP if you wish to attend. 3220 First Ave. S. (206) 667-9572.

A group show of recent acquisitions consisting of both ukiyo-e and modern prints is on view at Carolyn Staley Fine Japanese Prints. Till Sept. 31. 314 Occidental Ave. S. (206) 621-6493. Can also be viewed at www.carolynstaleyprints.com.

The work of Paul Horiuchi is included in a group show at Woodside/Braseth Gallery through Sept. 30. 2101 Ninth Ave. (206) 622-7243.

The Burke Museum on the U.W. campus shows “Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land” by photographer Subhankar Banerjee. Through Dec. 31. Located on the corner of N.E. 45th and 17th Ave. N.E. (206) 543-5590.

Nam June Paik’s installation, “In Flux House” is on view at Museum of Glass in Tacoma through Nov. 6. 1801 E. Dock St. (253) 284-4750.

Wing Luke Asian Museum. The show, “Women And Violence” addresses the issue of violence particularly towards Asian Pacific American women and the historical and root causes. Extended through Sept. 22. Also on view is “Asian and Pacific Islander Adoptees: A Journey Through Identity” extended through Oct. 4. A “Blessing Ceremony” for the future home of the museum will be held Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. at 715-725 S. King St. at the site of the East Kong Yick Building. If you have questions about this event, call Cesar at (206) 623-5124 x109. The Sept. 17 “Family Saturdays” program is “Lumpia Lunacy” where participants get to make lumpias with ingredients like apple, banana and tofu. Children must be accompanied by adult. Pre-registration required. RSVP to events@wingluke.org. Wing Luke Asian Museum is at 407 – 7th Ave. S. (206) 623-5124.

The work of Paul Horiuchi is included in the show, “A Sense of Place” through Jan. 15. Tacoma Art Museum. 1701 Pacific Ave. (206) 272-4258.

The Ikenobo Ikebana Society has an exhibition at Kirkland Library Sept. 17 & 18. 308 Kirkland Ave. Free. (425) 803-3268.

Performing Arts
Shoko, the winner of this year’s Kobe Japan (Sister City) Jazz Vocalist Competition performs at the 2005 Pony Boy Records Jazz Picnic with other local Seattle musicians. Sept. 11 from noon to 5 p.m. Free. Sand Point Magnuson Park Garden Amphitheatre. http://www.cityofseattle.net/parks/magnuson/default/htm. She also performs in her own program of songs on Sept. 12 at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley at 8 p.m. (206) 441-9729.

The Pork Filled Players return with a slam at the media in their new sketch comedy show, “K-SPAM: Yellow Journalism and Other Jaundiced Media” Sept. 16 to Oct. 8. Targets this time around include Seattle’s first South Asian superhero, singing Zen Buddhist monks, Asian American new anchors and the Bush Administration’s final solution for NPR funding. Northwest Actors’ Studio Cabaret Space at 1100 East Pike St. (206) 325-6500.

Local guitarist Angelo Pizarro performs at Tutta Bella at 4918 Rainer Ave. S. on Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. 4918 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 721-3501. Mutsu Daiko, a Japanese Taiko Drum Group, performs on Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. Federal Way Regional Library. (253) 838-3668.

“Vietnam, Essence of Yesteryear 4 – The Fragrance of Viet Melodies” is performed on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. Shorecrest Performing ArtsCenter. 15345 – 25th N.E. in Shoreline. For tickets and information, call (206) 240-3597.

Film & Video
NWAAT presents the first mainland screening of “First Light,” a TV documentary by Early Bird & Friends, produced by PBS Hawai’i and directed by Roland Yamamoto who currently lives in Redmond. The documentary looks at how astronomers and native Hawaiians view the importance of Mauna Kea, a significant cultural site of creation for native peoples and home to one of the world’s most powerful telescopes. Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. 409-7th Ave. S. NWAATpress@gmail.com.

From the director of “OLDBOY” comes Park Chan-Wook’s “Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance” which screens Sept. 9 – 15 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. This is a tale of revenge and sorrow of epic proportions. A deaf factory worker takes care of a dying sister in need of a kidney. Searching the black market for a kidney he finds himself, robbed, naked and without a kidney himself. A plot ensues to kidnap a gang boss’s daughter and extract the ultimate revenge. At the Northwest Film Forum. 1515 – 12th. (206) 267-5380.

Playing Sept. 9 – 15 is Jia Zhangke’s “The World,” a sympathetic look at the loves and desperate dreams of provincial Chinese workers at World Park, a bizarre entertainment center where visitors interact with imitations of world famous monuments. The Varsity at 4329 University Way N.E. (206) 781-5755.

Sung Hwan Kim (born in Korea) and Nina Yuen (from Hawai’i) met in Boston where they began to work together and individually on video and performance projects. In a few years, the two have collaborated on a large body of work focusing on themselves as the subjects/performers in their pieces. “An Imaginary Relationship With Ourselves” is the program that will screen their projects in two separate programs. Sept. 14 & Sept. 15 both at 7:30 p.m. The Guild Theatre at SW 9th & Taylor in Portland. Presented by Portland’s NW Film Center. (503) 221-1156.

Written Arts
Jean Shinoda Bolen, author of “Goddesses in Every Woman” shares from her new book, “Urgent Message from Mother: Gather the Women.” Sept. 18 from 1 – 4 p.m. Advance registration is required. East West Bookshop. 6500 Roosevelt Way N.E. (206) 523-3726.

Awards/Opportunities
“Imagine” is the title of the 3rd Annual MAVIN Foundation Gala set for Oct. 8 at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center from 5:30 p.m. The Foundation creates innovative projects that celebrate and advocate for mixed heritage people and families to promote a cohesive, multicultural society that celebrate and advocate for mixed heritage people and families to promote a cohesive, multicultural society. To RSVP, call Nicki at (206) 622-7101.

The city of SeaTac issues a call for art from regional artists for their Juried Fine Art Exhibit set for Oct. Deadline is Sept. 26 and Sept. 27. (206) 973-4680 for details.

Larry Gossett for King County District 2 Councilmember. Rated as Outstanding, Mr. Gossett remains the quintessential anti-racist advocate effectively working in the system. He’s an advocate for criminal justice reform and accessible health, social and human services and affirmative action resulting in the county employing 25% people of color. As budget chair, he makes sure that the county attends to both people and regional infrastructure needs. He fights for immigrant civil rights given Homeland Security.

Geni Hawkins for King County District 7 Councilmember. Ms. Hawkins has high potential. Her top three goals include an effective regional transportation plan, reduction of crime while increasing public safety and small business development. With economic uncertainty, she believes that health, social and human services should not be reduced. She also believes that a percentage of County contracts should encourage minority, women and micro-business start ups.

Although there was no endorsement for Seattle City Council Position 2, Richard Conlin was highly regarded for helping ensure funding for the New Holly International Clinic which has numerous Filipino and Asian patients.

Similarly, there was no endorsement for Seattle City Council 4 Position. Jan Drago was affectionately referred to as a long time friend and strategist who is very responsive to community needs.

Also, there was no endorsement for Seattle City Council Position 8. Richard McIver is highly respected and loved for his constant assistance, in particular, having assisted in funding the Filipino Community Center remodel, participating in the Philippine trade mission to develop business opportunities, and advocating for education and at-risk youth interventions.

John Creighton for Port of Seattle Commissioner Position 1. Mr. Creighton had an integrated dual business and community vision that is well worth mentioning fully — “to restore the Port’s strength as a major creator of family wage jobs for our region while making it a better public citizen — reaching out to communities that feel underserved by the Port and addressing the environment and social impact of Port operations on communities and habitats around Port operations.”

Lloyd Hara for Port of Seattle Commissioner Position 3. Rated as Outstanding, Mr. Hara is a no nonsense long time API community activist. His vision is to have the Port be excellently managed, increase jobs and economic growth, improve public visibility and accountability of Port operations and increase participation of small business, especially minority and women businesses. He specifically wants to eliminate Port reliance on a $62 million property tax subsidy and make it profitable and gain back the West Coast market share that was lost. Mr. Hara is an auditor by profession.

Jack Jolley for Port of Seattle Commissioner Position 4. With a financial management and business development background, Mr. Jolley wants to make the Port more efficient, accountable and prosperous. His three goals are to make it more globally competitive, efficient in leveraging taxes, and open and accountable on issues ranging from “how security decisions are made to the wisdom of selling port property at sub-market value.” In particular, he wants to represent the Port on the Port Jobs Board of Directors and increase its funding so that access to Port jobs and contracting can be improved.

Mary Bass for Seattle Public School Board Director Position 5. Rated as Outstanding, Ms. Bass’ top three goals are to eliminate disproportionality for people of color in academics, discipline, employment, contracting and special education, ensure responsible fiscal stewardship and mitigate the harm from WASL testing and the No Child Left Behind to the most disenfranchised and vulnerable students. She is attentive to bilingual education, special education, and the proposed closure of schools. Ms. Bass wants to continue the initiatives she has undertaken in her first term.

Cheryl Chow for Seattle Public School Board Director Position 7. Rated as Outstanding, Ms. Chow has consistently advocated for bilingual education, resolution of adverse discipline and education for all of our kids. Her leadership in the Seattle Chinese Athletic Association, which serves many Filipino youth, is laudable. As an educator, principle, administrator and strong personality, she will be an effective player to get the board to make realistic, effective and timely decisions.

Theresa Cardamone and Linda Thompson-Black were similarly rated as outstanding. Ms. Chow’s long term contributions moved FAPAGOW to give her a single endorsement.

This page is paid for by FAPAGOW.

Linda Averill, a self-described feminist and labor rights activist, pushed her campaign that had a socialist agenda at its foundation. Averill said that she would add fresh ideas as a socialist and provide a voice for moderate to low-income workers.

Averill recognized that the Asian Pacific Islander community was a broad and diverse community. As a former resident of Judkins Park area, Averill says she visits the International District and named House of Hong as a favorite restaurant. As a bus driver for route #7 and 44, Averill says she has had many opportunities to talk to passengers living or working in the International District.

In order to increase awareness of city issues and decisions that impact the ID and minority communities, Averill focused on having broad outreach and making city council hearings accessible to ID residents, such as holding them in the evenings or at convenient locations, as well as providing ample notice of the hearings.

Angel Bolanos discussed his frustration with mainstream media for ignoring the fact that there were more than two candidates for Position 4. Bolanos called for respecting the neighborhood planning process and says he will involve the people impacted by the plans.

In discussion over the increase of police needed in underserved neighborhoods, Bolanos emphasized the importance of training police and hiring good cops who are aware of ethnic differences. Born in Ecuador and living in Columbia City, Bolanos asked his opponents how they can say that they feel close to minorities. Bolanos talked of his experience being discriminated against by police. He said everybody should be represented in the police department.

Bolanos said he’s “the person with ideas and vision,” and was concerned about the difficulty of making a living in Seattle. He called for a holistic plan in addressing living wage issues, housing and employment. Bolanos said that incumbent Jan Drago had “done almost nothing in 12 years” except for creating dog runs in the park.

Casey Corr reiterated his statement that there has been a lack of action in Drago’s 12 years in office. Corr’s platform includes solving traffic problems, creating jobs and economic opportunity, getting more police to patrol neighborhoods, and ending the crisis in schools.

When asked about the most significant issues facing the International District, Corr responded that the history of Seattle is told through the ID. He described the district as a “fragile entity” and listed three priorities for the district. The first is the “fundamental need” for more police; the second was housing and looking at undeveloped space; and the third was transit, including the streetcar traveling up Jackson Street.

In reference to the Fire Station 10 issue where people of the International District felt that they were not consulted about the possibility of the hygiene center located in the ID, Corr said that there was inadequate outreach to the neighborhoods, which included the challenge of overcoming language barriers. He said that the lack of outreach and communication was a pattern throughout the city, and that the city’s stance was that “now the decision has been made – live with it.”

City Councilmember Drago’s rebuttal to Corr was that she is a public official that does not spin issues or lie. In the case with Fire Station 10, Drago said, “I told the community the truth.”

When asked how often Drago frequented the International District, Drago said she lives in Pioneer Square and that the International District and Pioneer Square “are my two neighborhoods.” She said she visits the ID several times a week and walks to work. She named Uwajimaya as a business she shops at and listed many favorite restaurants in the ID.

In district projects, Drago said she was supportive of IDVS2, the ID Library, the community center and housing projects.

As one of 12 delegates on a human rights delegation through Global Youth Connect, and as a Khmer (Cambodian) American woman, I learned about various issues of human rights violations in Cambodia. Cambodia has been plagued by a history of war such as the infamous genocide of the Khmer Rouge Regime from 1975 to 1979, where approximately 2 to 5 million people were killed and continuous civil wars occurred due to the Vietnamese occupation after the fall of the Khmer Rouge. During the occupation, the United Nations started a peacekeeping operation towards building a democratic institution and promoting respect for fundamental human rights. Presently, Cambodia has only had peace from war for about five years.

Despite peace, Cambodia still faces many forms of human rights violations such as political violence, intimidation of opposition party members, a weak judiciary system, restriction on the freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, conflicts over land and resource rights, human trafficking and widespread impunity on human rights offenders. With all these, I wonder what prevents Khmers from becoming hopeless and collapsing into despair. Who ensures the protection of their human rights? These were the questions I asked myself repeatedly. I felt that I did not just inherit the tragic history of Cambodia but also the duty to join the struggle and fight for human rights and justice — for what was taken away from my family and the Khmer people.

The peacekeeping operation of the United Nations created hundreds of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Cambodia to assist people in human services and prevention of human rights violation. For five weeks, from June 27 to July 24, 2005, I volunteered for two NGOs, the Cambodia Volunteers for Community Development (CVCD) and the Cambodian Labor Organization (CLO). CVCD aims to reduce poverty within communities through education and volunteerism, by offering disadvantaged citizens the opportunities to co-operate in their community development. This is achieved by offering literacy and vocational skill training as well as health and environmental education in return for their involvement in community projects. I assisted by teaching English to young students ranging from beginners to intermediate levels. CVCD makes it possible for economically disadvantaged students to afford an English Language education.

CLO is the only Cambodian NGO focusing exclusively on worker’s rights; they train workers and union members in labor rights. They also investigate and monitor violations of worker’s rights. While I volunteered for CLO, we interviewed union leaders, garment, construction, sex, and service workers. One of the biggest challenges of CLO is enforcing labor laws due to the lack of support from the judiciary system. Despite this challenge, the organizers are determined and courageous in continuing to fight for justice for worker’s rights.

NGOs are vital to Cambodia in protecting their fundamental human rights by providing a venue to fight for justice and make improvements in their lives. Unfortunately, one of the factors in keeping NGOs such as CVCD and CLO from moving forward is funding. Without it the organization cannot follow through with its mission or grow to improve the lives of the Khmer people.

At the end of my delegation I learned a lot about violations of human rights, especially against women, but I felt I needed to do more than educate myself. I co-founded a project called Women for Women with Veasna Nhean, a native Cambodian. Most young women are limited to working in garment factories, in restaurants as beer girls, as prostitutes, or domestic workers. The women for women project specifically cater to young women from a disadvantaged background in providing access to education and improving their future through better employment opportunities. This project provides a stipend to the participant while they train in sewing and work to make handicrafts, such as purses, handbags, pillowcases, etc. By working in our sewing co-op they are able to make an income and afford the expense of their education. This is a project that is part of an NGO called Khmer Student Association (KSA). KSA felt in order to make good changes in Cambodia it is important to educate and train young people to become future leaders.

If you would like to get involved in NAPAWF, send us an e-mail napawfseattle@yahoo.com or sign up for our list serve www.napawfseattle-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to receive information about meetings and events. NAPAWF Seattle Chapter, P.O. Box 14115, Seattle, WA 98104.

A conference sponsored by the Washington State Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Program will be held at the Seatac Double Tree hotel to celebrate 30 years of refugee contributions to local communities on Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17.

According to Someireh Amirfaiz, executive director of the Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA), this year’s conference – titled “Celebrating Refugee Achievements: Past and Present” – “marks the 30th anniversary of refugee arrival in Washington State.”

Hundreds of refugees, immigrants and community stakeholders are expected to gather for this two-day event to dialogue about pressing issues impacting refugee and immigrant communities and learn about resources available to help address these concerns.

Amirfaiz feels that some of the most critical issues for refugees include employment, social justice, housing, women’s issues and more.

Minnesota State Senator Mee Moua is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the event.

“I think the refugee conference, especially this year, highlights [the] contributions of refugees and immigrants [to] this country,” Amirfaiz said.

For more information or to register for the conference, please visit www.refugeeweb.org.

From Sept. 14 – 17, the 14th Air Service Group and the 987th Signal Company will be holding their combined reunion in Seattle.

This is the largest group of Chinese American Veterans from any era to hold a regular reunion. Chong Wa Hall – located on Seventh Avenue in the Chinatown/International District – will be the site of the gathering of these veterans.

Among the thousands of GI’s who disembarked in Seattle after World War II were several hundred young men who had been part of the all Chinese American 14th Air Service Group (ASG), 14th Air Force, US Army Air Corps – part of Chennault’s famed Flying Tigers.

The soldiers and those in their attached unit, the 987th Signal Company, US Army, were part of the only two all Chinese American outfits in World War II.

Seattle’s Chinatown, like every Chinese community across the nation, was extremely proud of their young service men and women and in honor of the returning veterans and in celebration of the end of World War II, the community gave the 14th ASG a huge banquet, complete with live music, at the Chong Wa Benevolent Association Hall in December 1945.